Reduced oak settles in the glass to unleash juicy flavors of Gravenstein apple, lemon, grapefruit and white flower. Gravelly texture gives it context and complexity that buoys the full-bodied frame and allows for persistent acidity.
Russian River Valley Chardonnay Reviews
91 points
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Opens with aromas of lemon curd, green apple, and fresh-churned butter. On the palate, it’s round with fresh acidity. A note of sweet milk and hint of coriander seed comes through on the finish.
92 points
95 Points
Flashy; peachy. We all really loved this wine.
Editors’ Choice.
This impressive wine is made in larger quantities than many of the producer’s single-vineyard designates, sourced from throughout the appellation. It shines in spritzy, vibrant acidity that supports a medium-bodied frame of lemon zest, kumquat and plenty of length, dotted in touches of nutmeg.
There’s a lot to like in this nicely priced white, a blend of several regional vineyards. A taste of hazelnut expands on the palate to meet creamy Tahitian vanilla. Approachably round, this crowd-pleasing wine finishes in measured, integrated oak. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.
SILVER
Offers light toasty oak details, with fig, melon and citrus notes giving this a raw, pithy edge, imparting traction and depth to the flavors. -JL
Decant this to allow the initial reduction to blow off. Underneath there's a sappy Russian River chardonnay with exuberant fruit ripeness, the aromas suggesting peach and apricot. It's a sunny white to serve well chilled with grilled chicken.
Editor's Choice. Chard freaks will love this California-style version of this variety. It's wonderfully fruity with ripe pineapple, tangerines and papayas, and a rich sweet taste, like bananas sautéed in butter and drizzled with honey. The acidity is perfect. Great job for the price, and easy to find…